Baselworld 2018: Introducing the 39mm Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight (Ref. 79030N)

Tudor has finally released a watch for everyone who has ever said, “I like the Black Bay, but it’s just too big for my wrist.” Introducing the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight, a 39mm take on the classic Tudor Sub and the latest entry into the brand’s ever-growing Black Bay range.

Now, I’ve never thought the Black Bay was too big for me, per se, but I wasn’t really taken with the proportions on my wrist. The new Fifty-Eight is a sign that Tudor is listening to customers who’ve been clamoring for even greater diversity in their case sizes.So what do we have here? The Fifty-Five is a throwback to the historical ref. 7924, and it’s closest in design to the familiar ref. 79230N from Tudor’s modern catalog. That means you have a black dial with gilt accents, gilted snowflake hands, and a red triangle at 12 on the bezel.

Inside, you’ll find Tudor’s newest manufacture caliber, the MT5402, which is, like the rest of the range, COSC-certified and boasts 70 hours of power reserve and a silicon hairspring. The MT5402 also allows for the height of the Fifty-Eight to be brought down from over 14mm (that’s chronograph territory) to a totally reasonable 11.9mm.

As always, Tudor is offering a number of strap options here, from the lovely riveted stainless steel bracelet to a leather two-piece and a woven fabric strap. Put me down for the bracelet.If you’ve been on the hunt for a classically-styled and sized Rolex/Tudor Sub, but wince at the climbing prices on the vintage market, then this might be the watch for you. The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Five is $3,250 on leather and fabric straps, and $3,575 on the bracelet.  Tudor